#2: Komodo Dragon

What It Is:

: an Indonesian monitor lizard that is the largest of all known lizards and may attain a length of 10 feet (3 meters)

About the Word:

This lizard, named after Komodo Island, has a venomous bite, a forked yellow tongue, and a powerful tail. It will attack and kill humans (as seen in the latest James Bond movie, "Skyfall"). Even young lizards aren't safe: young komodo dragons roll in fecal matter and live in trees to avoid being eaten by their elders.